Prayer for the Day

by Revd Canon David White

22nd March 2026 - 5th Sunday of Lent

Soul of Christ, sanctify me:
Body of Christ, save me:
Blood of Christ, invigorate me:
Water from the side of Christ, wash me:
Passion of Christ, strengthen me:
Cross of Christ, protect me:
good Jesu, hear me:
within your wounds, hide me:
never let me be separated from you:
from the deadly enemy, defend me:
in the hour of my death, call me
and ask me to come to you,
that with all your sains I may praise you
for ever and ever. Amen.

This prayer is known as the ‘Anima Christi’ which means, Soul of Christ. It was written in the 14th Century and made more well known by the Spanish saint and mystic, St Ignatius of Loyola, who used it in the introduction to his book of devotion and spiritual practice called, ‘The Spiritual Exercises’. It is a prayer that is right for Passiontide, which begins today; a time lasting until Good Friday when we focus on the events leading up to and including Christ’s death on the cross.

As we say the prayer, we are drawn closer to Jesus through his life, suffering and saving love. The prayer uses simple language asking Christ to protect, heal and stay close to the soul. In Christian belief, the soul of Christ represents his divine life, holiness and saving presence. One way to pray and read the prayer is to take a long breath and say it slowly allowing each line to settle deeply into us. It then places us under the care, sacrifice and mercy of Jesus.

The prayer’s words encourage surrender, patience and confidence in God’s grace, even during suffering and uncertainty. It becomes a quiet companion to us when prayed regularly.